7 International Prospects Worth a Look: Sixers

It’s Draft Day and the Philadelphia 76ers have an abundant amount of picks this year. The Sixers hold two 1st rounders, and after the Los Angeles trade last night, they now only have three 2nd rounders (bummer!).

As already one of the youngest teams in the league, they’re very unlikely to add two plus rookies onto this roster. This either means they’ll sell their 2nd rounders for future picks and cash or they’ll go with the draft & stash route like they have many times in the recent years.

This year’s international pool isn’t as deep as it usually is but there is some talent mixed in with it. Below are some notable prospects from overseas that the Sixers could look at. Some of these guys could come over right away and produce while others are a bit raw and can provide the draft and stash option for Philadelphia.

LotteryLuka Doncic2017-18: 14.5ppg 4.6apg 5.2rpg (45-30-80)

(Photo Credit: SLAM)

Even if you haven’t been following the process leading up to the Draft, you probably know his name already. Doncic is viewed as one of the best Euro prospects of all time. At just 19yrs old he has a EuroLeague title and MVP under his belt.

At 6’8ft and 250lbs, Doncic provides great size on the wing. His playmaking ability and basketball IQ are perhaps his biggest strengths as a prospect. He also excels as a shooter but will have to become more consistent as he develops. Although his athleticism is a concern, his feel for the game should help him adjust just fine at the next level.

Comparison: Brandon Roy

Mid-Late 1stElie Okobo2017-18: 12.9ppg 4.8apg 0.9spg (47-39-82)

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Elie Okobo has really shot up draft boards during the predraft process. The 6’3ft Point Guard out of France is praised for his pick & roll ability and playmaking in general. Okobo can score from all three levels offensively, possessing a beautiful stroke and solid finishing ability.

With his size, he’ll have to add some strength for his game to translate smoothly but the potential is clearly there. Okobo has a 6’8ft wingspan, so there’s no reason mixed with his athletic ability that he can’t become a plus defender.

Comparison: Dennis Schroder

Dznan Musa
2017-18: 10.5ppg 3.2rpg (47-36-75)

(Photo Credit: NetsDaily)

Do you need scoring? Well, Dznan Musa is here for you. The 6’9ft wing out of Bosnia has a great feel for the game offensively. His handle mixed with the quickness he possesses will allow him to create his own shot at the next level.

Musa has a very thin frame and will have to bulk up in a NBA weight room to reach his maximum potential. Improving in that department will help in his other area of struggle which is defense as a whole.

Comparison: Bojan Bogdanovic

Second RoundersIsaac Bonga
2017-18: 6ppg 3rpg 2.3apg (42-34-92)

(Photo Credit: Adidas NGT)

He’s listed as a Small Forward at 6’9ft but Isaac Bonga has the ability to play some Point Guard at his freakish size. The NBA has started to see this trend with giants such as Ben Simmons and Giannis initiate their offenses. Whether you want to call them Point Guards, Point Forwards, or Point Gods, it’s all the same.

Bonga has an extremely large upside to his game but also a very low floor. He’s viewed as a project player that will take some years of major development to thrive at the NBA level. Over recent years he has improved greatly shooting the ball and utilizing his size on defense. His biggest strength aside from his size is his playmaking ability.

Comparison: Poor Man’s Giannis Antetokounmpo

Rodions Kurucs 2017-18: 7ppg 1.8rpg (44-33-77)

(Photo Credit: EuroHoops)

As a modern day stretch forward, Kurucs offers huge upside as a second round prospect. His combination of size, athleticism, and shooting ability has impressed many NBA scouts through the years. Defensively, Kurucs is also gifted using his size and athleticism to get many steals and blocks.

Kurucs will have to add weight and improve his efficiency offensively to stick in the NBA. Currently, he’s a highly inefficient and inconsistent player. Good news is that he’s only 20yrs old and will likely stay overseas to work on those deficiencies for a season or two.

Comparison: Sam Dekker

Arnoldas Kulboka2017-18: 8.3ppg 3.5rpg (36-36-81)

(Photo Credit: Run Sports)

Kulboka is a near 7 footer who likes to shoot the heck out of the basketball. His stroke from deep is picture perfect and when you consider his size, he could be a real mismatch offensively. Kulboka has a long way to go defensively though. He’ll need to add weight and work on his awareness, footwork, and etc. to become a viable option in a NBA rotation.

Comparison: Chandler Parsons

Issuf Sanon2017-18: 4ppg 1.8rpg (43-25-46)

(Photo Credit: FIBA)

Hailing from Ukraine, Sanon is an explosive combo guard that excels in transition. As one of the youngest players in the Draft, he offers a lot of upside down the road. His shooting form looks good but it has yet to show up in games consistently. Right now he’s a basically a combo guard with a quick first step.

Just like others mentioned before him, he’ll have to add weight to become effective at the next level. At only 6’4ft with a 6’5ft wingspan, it’s essential he becomes stronger.